Aioi Peron Matsuri

Overview

The Aioi Peron Festival is a major annual event held in Aioi Bay, Aioi City, Hyogo Prefecture, on the last Sunday of May, marking the arrival of early summer in the Banshu region. The festival begins with a pre-festival evening fireworks display on Saturday, May 30, followed by the main event on Sunday, May 31, featuring Peron boat races and a land parade. According to the official website, the 2026 Aioi Peron Festival will take place on May 30 (Saturday) for the pre-festival fireworks and May 31 (Sunday) for the main festival, including both the maritime and land programs.

The origins of this festival trace back to 1922, when employees of the Harima Shipyard (now IHI) who were originally from Nagasaki Prefecture introduced Peron boat racing to Aioi. Until the end of World War II, the races were held annually on May 27, Navy Memorial Day, as part of the festival of the Tenpaku Shrine located within the shipyard grounds. After the war, the event was revived as the Aioi Port Festival, and in 1963 it evolved into the Aioi Peron Festival as it is known today. Peron boat racing involves 32 crew members boarding a wooden boat shaped like a dragon's head, rowing powerfully to the rhythm of gongs and drums, creating a magnificent spectacle that deeply impresses spectators.

History and Origins

The origins of Peron boat racing date back to the 3rd century BC in China during the Warring States period. According to legend, Qu Yuan, a prime minister of the Chu state, served King Huai with benevolent governance, but was forced out of politics due to slanderous rumors. After King Huai was captured by the Qin army and died in exile, Qu Yuan, lamenting the fate of his country, threw himself into the Miluo River in Hunan Province. The people, deeply saddened, floated dragon boats on the river and held boat races to appease his spirit. This is considered the beginning of Peron boat racing. The name Peron is believed to have derived from the Chinese word "Pailong," meaning "white dragon".

Peron boat racing was introduced to Japan in 1655. In that year, several Chinese ships visited Nagasaki Port but were unable to depart due to strong winds. The crew members held a Peron boat race in the harbor to appease the sea gods and calm the wind and waves. People of Nagasaki adopted this practice and it became one of the city's annual events. Today, Peron boat racing in Japan is conducted only in limited areas, including Nagasaki Prefecture, Aioi City in Hyogo Prefecture, and Okinawa Prefecture.

Peron was introduced to Aioi in 1922. At that time, many employees of the Harima Shipyard (now IHI) were originally from Nagasaki Prefecture. They introduced Peron boat racing as an event for the company's sports day, nostalgic for their hometown tradition. In the following year, 1923, three boats were built simultaneously based on the Nagasaki-style Peron boat design, named Tenryu, Hakuryu, and Shinryu. These boats measured 13.55 meters in length and 1.75 meters in width, carrying a total of 40 people: one boat captain, one helmsman, two supervisors, one drummer, one gong player, and 34 rowers. Today's boats are slightly smaller, measuring 13 meters in length and 1.58 meters in width, with a crew of 32: one boat captain, one helmsman, one drummer, one gong player, and 28 rowers.

After the war, the Aioi Peron was revived as the Aioi Port Festival, and a fireworks display was added as a pre-festival event. In 1962, the Aioi City, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (now IHI) jointly established the Aioi Peron Festival Association. The following year, 1963, the event was officially named the Aioi Peron Festival and has continued to this day. In 2022, the festival celebrated its 100th anniversary since the introduction of Peron to Aioi. The tradition of Peron boat racing has been passed down without interruption, and the boats themselves have evolved through ten generations. The twelve boats currently in use are the eighth generation (Kairyu, Kiryu, Soryu, Zuiryu), the ninth generation (Hiry, Unryu, Koryu, Seiryu), and the tenth generation (Tenryu, Hakuryu, Shinryu, Shoryu).

Highlights

The Thrill of Peron Boat Racing In Peron boat racing, a crew of 32 people, including one drummer, one gong player, one helmsman, one boat captain, and 28 rowers, board a wooden boat with a bow shaped like a dragon's head. The rowers pull their oars in unison to the unique rhythm of the gong and drum, creating a spectacular sight as if a dragon is racing across the water surface. This scene is a unique cultural heritage of Aioi, blending the exotic atmosphere brought from Nagasaki with the spirit of solidarity among the workers of the Harima Shipyard.

Tenpaku Shrine Maritime Procession The opening act of the Peron Festival is the Tenpaku Shrine Maritime Procession, where a Peron boat tows a portable shrine. Starting at 9:00 AM, the sacred palanquin of Tenpaku Shrine is carried on a Peron boat, which cruises around Aioi Bay. The slow and solemn movement of the boat carrying the shrine creates a sacred and dignified atmosphere. This maritime procession is a traditional ritual expressing respect for Tenpaku Shrine, the guardian deity of the shipyard, and prayers for safe navigation.

Pre-Festival Evening Fireworks Display On Saturday, May 30, the pre-festival event features approximately 5,000 fireworks launched over Aioi Bay. The signal cannon sounds at 7:30 PM, and the fireworks are launched from 7:50 PM to 8:40 PM. The fireworks display over the entire bay creates a double beauty reflected on the water surface. This fireworks display not only celebrates the opening of the Peron Festival but also serves as a seasonal tradition announcing the arrival of summer, captivating both local residents and visitors.

Diverse Performances in the Land Parade On the main day, Sunday, May 31, a land parade is held on the main street of Aioi City. Local student bands, dance groups, and various organizations perform, adding excitement to the festival from the land side. The parade proceeds from the front of Minsato Bank through Chuo-dori to the Aioi City Gymnasium parking lot, a distance of approximately two kilometers, with the streets lined with spectators. This parade complements the maritime races and completes the festival as a comprehensive entertainment event.

Stage Events and Community Plaza A special stage set up at the Aioi City Gymnasium parking lot hosts various performances and entertainments from 9:50 AM to 3:00 PM. Additionally, a Community Plaza is established in front of the Aioi City Hall and Port Park, featuring bazaars and food stalls, attracting many visitors. These events function as a place for interaction between local residents and tourists, enhancing the sense of unity of the festival.

Peron Boat Exhibition and Historical Learning Near Port Park, actual Peron boats are on display, allowing visitors to observe their intricate craftsmanship up close. The dragon-head-shaped bow and the curved hull that inherits the tradition of wooden Japanese boats demonstrate the high skill of the craftsmen. Furthermore, the Aioi City Museum of History and Folklore and the Peron Kai Hall display historical Peron boats and related materials, providing visitors with a deep understanding of the history and culture of Peron.

Event Information and Access

• Event Dates: May 30 (Saturday), 2026, for the pre-festival evening fireworks; May 31 (Sunday), 2026, for the main Peron Festival including maritime and land programs
• Venue: Aioi Bay (Port Park area) and Aioi city center
• Pre-Festival Fireworks: May 30 (Saturday), signal cannon at 7:30 PM, launch from 7:50 PM to 8:40 PM, approximately 5,000 fireworks
• Peron Boat Race Schedule (May 31): Tenpaku Shrine Maritime Procession at 9:00 AM, Open Race A Block at 9:30 AM, Division 1 and 2 Races (first preliminaries) at 9:40 AM, Women's Race (first preliminaries) at 10:10 AM, Open Race B Block at 1:00 PM, Finals (Division 2 at 3:30 PM, Women's at 3:40 PM, Division 1 at 3:50 PM), Winning Run at 4:05 PM, Closing Ceremony at 4:15 PM
• Land Parade: May 31 (Sunday), 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, from Minsato Bank front through Chuo-dori to Aioi City Gymnasium parking lot
• Access: About a 15-minute walk from Aioi Station on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen and Sanyo Main Line (toward Port Park). Traffic restrictions are in place in the station area and around the venue during the festival, so using public transportation is recommended. Parking lots are expected to be congested, and temporary parking may be available, but visitors should check the official website for details.
• Viewing Tickets: A cooperation admission ticket is required for viewing the fireworks from within Port Park. Reserved seating tickets are available at a discounted price for advance purchase through local sales outlets and Ticket Pia. Visitors should check the official website for the latest sales information.

Surrounding Information

Aioi City is a port town facing the Seto Inland Sea, which developed as a company town for the Harima Shipyard (now IHI). The city center is home to JR Aioi Station, near which are the Aioi City Museum of History and Folklore, which introduces the history of Peron, and the Peron Kai Hall, where Peron boats are exhibited and experiential programs are offered. At the Peron Kai Hall, visitors can sometimes participate in programs to actually ride a Peron boat, allowing them to experience the charm of Peron even outside the festival period. The second-generation Peron boat Unryu is displayed and preserved in the station square, delighting the eyes of visitors.

The area around Aioi Bay contains the main festival venues, including Port Park and the Aioi City Gymnasium. Port Park is a waterfront green space that provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the maritime races of the Peron Festival. Tenpaku Shrine, located within the city, serves as the starting point for the maritime procession and is a focus of local faith. This shrine was established as the guardian deity of the Harima Shipyard and symbolizes the connection between the region's industry and culture.

Tourist attractions in Aioi City include the Aioi Bay Viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, and various restaurants serving local seafood. Fresh seafood caught in Aioi Bay is popular among visitors who stop by after the festival. Additionally, nearby tourist destinations such as Ako City and Himeji City offer opportunities to deepen the experience of Banshu region's history and culture, making them ideal to combine with a visit to the Aioi Peron Festival.

Related Information

1. National Distribution of Peron Boat Racing: In Japan, Peron boat racing is held only in limited areas, including Nagasaki City in Nagasaki Prefecture, Aioi City in Hyogo Prefecture, and Naha City in Okinawa Prefecture. Nagasaki's Peron is said to have begun in 1655, and Aioi's Peron inherits this tradition.

2. Characteristics of Peron Boats: The Peron boats currently in use are approximately 13 meters long and 1.58 meters wide, featuring a bow shaped like a dragon's head. While inheriting the tradition of wooden Japanese boats, they have been improved for lighter weight and greater strength. Ten generations of Peron boats have been built, and some retired boats are preserved and displayed at facilities within the city.

3. Aioi Peron Festival Association: Established in 1962 by Aioi City, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (now IHI), this organization manages and plans the festival. The association handles a wide range of tasks, including maintaining Peron boats, organizing the fireworks display, and coordinating the land parade.

4. 100th Anniversary of the Peron Festival: In 2022, Aioi Peron marked its 100th anniversary since its introduction. Special commemorative events and exhibitions were held to mark this milestone. The centennial has reinforced the importance of passing on the tradition to the next generation.

5. Activities of the Peron Kai Hall: The Peron Kai Hall in Aioi City exhibits Peron boats and also offers experiential learning programs and historical lectures on Peron boat racing. Various events throughout the year, such as the Marine Sports Festival, are held as cooperation events for the Peron Festival.

6. Related Events: On the same day as the Peron Festival, various cooperation events are held, including the Aioi Nagisa Short Film Festival at the Aioi City Cultural Hall and a soccer clinic by INAC Kobe Leonessa at the City Gymnasium. These events provide additional enjoyment for festival visitors and contribute to the revitalization of the entire region.

7. Confirmation of Latest Information: The schedule and content of the Peron Festival may change each year. Visitors should always check the official website of the Aioi Peron Festival Association (https://aioi-peron.jp/) for the latest information, especially regarding cancellations due to bad weather, schedule changes, and ticket sales. Information on parking lot congestion and traffic restrictions will also be provided on the official website on the day of the event.

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